Urgent Treatment Centre

Improved Access

Extra evening, weekend and Bank Holiday appointments are now available in East Kent to help patients get the care they need, when they need it.

This is part of a national drive to improve access to GP practice services and give people the opportunity to have an appointment at a time that suits them.

The extra appointments, which may be provided by a GP, nurse, physiotherapist, paramedic practitioner or other health professional, are for routine, non-urgent care. The extra slots are available between 6.30pm and 8pm each weekday. There are also appointments on Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays.

They will not necessarily be at patients’ usual GP practice, but the health professionals treating them will be able to see their full medical records, with their consent. Patients who need an appointment will be allocated the most suitable clinician for their need.

“We know that people sometimes have to wait to see a nurse or doctor and we believe the new longer hours will be of particular help to commuters, parents with young families, and other people who find it difficult to get to their practice during normal working hours.

Anyone wanting to make an appointment should contact their GP practice in the first instance. Trained reception staff will know where and when appointments are available, and with which healthcare professional, and will be able to book the patient in. Patients should advise the receptionist if they particularly want an evening or weekend appointment.

These extra appointments will be available for pre-booked care. It’s important to remember that anyone who needs medical assistance when their practice is closed should continue to dial NHS 111.”

To make sure that the new appointments system works well for patients, the CCG would like to encourage people to tell us about their experiences of them. Anyone with comments or queries can email the patient experience team: nelcsu.engagement@nhs.net

As part of the Improved Access Scheme, Faversham Medical Practice, Newton Place Surgery, and Estuary View Medical Practiceare working together, to offer all patients in Faversham and Whitstable the opportunity to book an appointment in the evenings and on weekends.

Faversham Medical Practice have a range of appointments on Saturday's between 8am-1pm.

Newton Place Surgery have a range of appointments available every weekday between 6.30pm-8pm.

Estuary View have GP appointments available on Sunday's throughout the day.

All patients from these GP Surgeries have the choice to book into these appointments. It doesn't matter which surgery you are registered with.

In a genuine emergency you should call 999. Chest pains and / or shortness of breath constitute an emergency.

GP Training Afternoons

Please note that the surgery will be closed on the following afternoons from 1pm for mandatory staff training.

Tuesday 21st April 2020-Postponed

Tuesday 19th May 2020-Postponed

Wednesday 17th June 2020

Tuesday 15th September 2020

Tuesday 20th October 2020

Tuesday 17th November 2020

Tuesday 19th January 2021

Wednesday 17th February 2021

The practice will be closed from 1pm on the above days for mandatory staff training. The practice will be open again at 8am the following work day. Canterbury and Coastal Consortium Group have arranged out-of-hours GP cover for the afternoon which can be accessed by dialing 111.

The Faversham Urgent Treatment Centre will still be open from 8am-8pm every day and will be able to see any Minor Injuries or Minor Illness whilst the practice is closed. This is open to all patients, whether you are registered with a Faversham GP or not. When the practice is closed, please dial 111 if you; - Need medical help fast, but it's not a 999 emergency - Don't know who to call for medical help or don't have a GP - Think you need to go to A&E or another NHS urgent care service - Need health information or reassurance about what to do next.